Adapter for a power tool battery

ABSTRACT

An adapter for a power tool battery. The adapter enables a battery having a first configuration, such as a “slide-on” configuration, to be used with a power tool and/or to be charged by a battery charger having a second configuration, such as a “tower” configuration. The adapter may also enable a battery having one general configuration, such as a “slide-on” configuration or a “tower” configuration, and a first connecting structure to be used with a power tool and/or to be charged by a battery charger having the same general configuration, such as the “slide-on” configuration or the “tower” configuration, respectively, and a second connecting structure different than the first connecting structure.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application is a continuation of co-pendingcontinuation patent application Ser. No. 10/299,200, filed on Nov. 19,2002, which claims the benefit of non-provisional application Ser. No.09/755,537, filed on Jan. 5, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,525,511, whichclaims the benefit of prior filed provisional patent application SerialNo. 60/224,662 filed on Aug. 11, 2000.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to cordless power tools and, moreparticularly, to an adapter for a power tool battery.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Generally, a cordless power tool includes a tool housing and anelectric motor supported by the housing and operable to drive a toolelement. A power tool battery is supported by the housing and iselectrically connectable to the motor to selectively supply power to themotor.

[0004] To charge the battery, a battery charger is provided. Typically,a battery charger includes a charger housing and a charging circuitsupported by the charger housing and electrically connectable to a powersource. The battery is supported by the charger housing and electricallyconnected to the charging circuit so that power is selectively suppliedto the battery to charge the battery.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] There are two types of general configurations for a power toolbattery (and for the power tool and the battery charger). The first typeis the “tower” battery configuration. In the “tower” configuration, aportion of the tool housing, such as the handle, defines an opening, andthe battery includes a “tower” or insertion portion which is insertedinto the opening to support the battery on the tool housing and toelectrically connect the battery to the motor. To charge the “tower”battery, the charger housing defines a similar opening, and the “tower”portion of the battery is inserted into the opening in the chargerhousing to support the battery on the charger housing and toelectrically connect the battery to the charging circuit.

[0006] The second type of battery configuration is the “slide-on”configuration. In the “slide-on” configuration, the tool housingincludes a support portion, and the battery slides onto the supportportion. The support portion and the battery include inter-engagingconnecting structure to physically connect the battery to the toolhousing and to electrically connect the battery to the motor. To chargethe “slide-on” battery, the charger housing includes a similar supportportion, and the battery and the charger housing include similarinter-engaging connecting structure to physically connect the battery tothe charger housing and to electrically connect the battery to thecharging circuit.

[0007] In each general configuration, many different batteryconstructions (and power tool/battery charger constructions) exist. Ineach construction, the battery (and the power tool/battery charger)includes a specific connecting structure (size, shape, connectors,position of connectors, etc.) for physically connecting the battery tothe power tool and/or to the charger and for electrically connecting thebattery to the motor and/or to the charging circuit.

[0008] One independent problem with the above-described batteryarrangements is that a battery having one configuration, such as the“slide-on” configuration, is not useable with a power tool havinganother configuration, such as the “tower” configuration, or vice versa.

[0009] Another independent problem with the above-described batteryarrangements is that a battery having one configuration, such as the“slide-on” configuration, cannot be charged by a charger having theother configuration, such as the “tower” configuration, or vice versa.

[0010] Yet another independent problem with the above-described batteryarrangements is that a battery having one general configuration, such asa “slide-on” configuration with a first connecting structure, may not beuseable with a power tool of the same general configuration but having adifferent connecting structure, such as a power tool including a“slide-on” configuration but with a different second connectingstructure. The differences in the connecting structures, to physicallyand/or electrically connect the battery to the power tool, prevent thebattery from being used with the power tool. The same applies for“tower” batteries and “tower” power tools having different connectingstructures.

[0011] A further independent problem with the above-described batteryarrangements is that the battery having a one general configuration,such as a “slide-on” battery with a first connecting structure, may notbe chargeable by a battery charger having the same general configurationbut having a different connecting structure, such as a “slide-on”battery charger having a second connecting structure configuration. Thedifferences in the connecting structure, to physically and/orelectrically connect the battery to the battery charger, prevent thebattery from being charged by the battery charger. The same applies for“tower” batteries and “tower” battery chargers having differentconnecting structures.

[0012] The present invention provides an adapter for a power toolbattery which substantially alleviates one of more of theabove-described and other problems with the above-described batteryarrangements. More particularly, in some constructions, the inventionprovides an adapter which is used to connect a battery having a firstgeneral configuration, such as a “slide-on” configuration or a “tower”configuration, to a power tool and/or to a battery charger having asecond general configuration, such as the “tower” configuration or the“slide-on” configuration, respectively. In other constructions, theinvention provides an adapter which is used to connect a battery havinga first general configuration, such as the “slide-on” configuration orthe “tower” configuration, and a first connecting structure to a powertool and/or to a battery charger having the same first generalconfiguration and a second connecting structure different than the firstconnecting structure.

[0013] More particularly, the invention provides an electricalcombination comprising an electrical component including a componenthousing, a battery electrically connectable to the electrical componentto transfer power between the electrical component and the battery, andan adapter separate from and connectable between the battery and thecomponent housing to support the battery on the component housing and,preferably, to electrically connect the battery to the electricalcomponent.

[0014] Also, the invention provides an electrical combination comprisinga power tool including a housing and an electric motor supported by thehousing and operable to drive a tool element, a battery electricallyconnectable to the motor to selectively power the motor, and an adapterseparate from and connectable between the battery and the housing tosupport the battery on the housing and, preferably, to electricallyconnect the battery to the motor.

[0015] In addition, the invention provides an electrical combinationcomprising a battery charger including a charger housing and a chargingcircuit supported by the charger housing and selectively connectablewith a power source, a battery electrically connectable with a chargingcircuit such that the charging circuit selectively supplies power to thebattery to charge the battery, and an adapter separate from andconnectable between the housing and the battery to support the batteryon the housing and, preferably, to electrically connect the battery tothe charging circuit.

[0016] Preferably, the battery includes a terminal assembly and theelectrical component includes a component terminal assembly. The adapterpreferably includes a first adapter terminal assembly electricallyconnectable to the battery terminal assembly and a second adapterterminal assembly electrically connectable to the component terminalassembly to electrically connect the battery to the electricalcomponent.

[0017] In one construction, the component housing defines an opening andthe adapter includes an insertion portion which is insertable into theopening to support the adapter on the component housing. The electricalcomponent preferably includes a component terminal assembly supported inthe opening, and the adapter includes an adapter terminal assemblysupported on the insertion portion. The adapter terminal assembly iselectrically connected to the component terminal assembly when theinsertion portion is inserted into the opening.

[0018] The adapter preferably includes a battery support portionconnected to the insertion portion, and the battery is connectable toand supportable by the support portion. ;Preferably, the battery isconnectable to the support portion along a battery attachment axisgenerally perpendicular to the opening axis.

[0019] The battery may be selectively connectable to the support portionalong the battery attachment axis in a first direction, in which thebattery is supported in a first orientation relative to the housing, andin a second direction, in which the battery is supported in a secondorientation relative to the housing. The battery is preferablyselectively connectable to the support portion in the first direction,in which the battery is supported in a first orientation relative to theadapter, and in the second direction, in which the battery is supportedin a second orientation relative to the adapter.

[0020] The adapter preferably includes a forward first terminal assemblyand a rearward first terminal assembly. In the first orientation, thebattery terminal assembly is electrically connected to the forward firstterminal assembly, and, in the second orientation, the battery terminalassembly is electrically connected to the rearward first terminalassembly.

[0021] Preferably, the battery has a first connection configuration, andthe housing has a second connection configuration different than thefirst connection configuration. The adapter preferably includes a firstconnecting portion having the first connection configuration and asecond connecting portion having the second connection configuration.The first connecting portion is connectable with a battery to connectthe battery to the adapter, and the second connecting portion isconnectable with the housing to connect the adapter to the housing.

[0022] The connection configurations of the battery and the electricalcomponent may be different general configurations (“slide-on” or“tower”) or may be the same general configuration but with differentphysical connecting structure and/or with different electricalconnecting structure. In one construction, one connection configurationis a “tower” configuration, and the other configuration is a “slide-on”configuration. In other constructions, the first connectionconfiguration is a first “tower” configuration or a first “slide-on”configuration, and the second configuration is a second “tower”configuration or a second “slide-on” configuration, respectively, havingdifferent physical connecting structure and/or different electricalconnecting structure.

[0023] The combination preferably further comprises a first lockingassembly for locking the battery to the adapter and a second lockingassembly for locking the adapter to the component housing.

[0024] Further, the invention provides an electrical combinationcomprising a power tool including a tool housing and an electric motorsupported by the tool housing and operable to drive a tool element, abattery charger including a charger housing and a charging circuitsupported by the charger housing and selectively electricallyconnectable with a power source, a battery, and an adapter separate fromand connectable between the battery and one of the power tool and thebattery charger to support the battery on the one of the power tool andthe battery charger and to transfer power between the battery and theone of the power tool and the battery charger.

[0025] In one construction, the adapter is alternatively connectablebetween the battery and the power tool to support the battery on thepower tool and between the battery and the battery charger to supportthe battery on the battery charger. In another construction, the batteryis connectable without the adapter to the other of the power tool andthe battery charger.

[0026] One independent advantage of the present invention is that, withsome constructions of the present adapter, a battery having oneconfiguration, such as a “slide-on” configuration, may be used with apower tool having another configuration, such as a “tower”configuration.

[0027] Another independent advantage of the present invention is that,with some constructions of the present adapter, a battery having oneconfiguration, such as a “slide-on” configuration, may be charged by abattery charger having another configuration, such as a “tower”configuration.

[0028] Yet another independent advantage of the present invention isthat, with some constructions of the present adapter, a battery havingone general configuration, such as a “slide-on” configuration or a“tower” configuration, and a first connecting structure may be used witha power tool having the same general configuration, such as the“slide-on” configuration or the “tower” configuration, respectively, anda second connecting structure different than the first connectingstructure.

[0029] A further independent advantage of the present invention is that,with some constructions of the present adapter, a battery having onegeneral configuration, such as a “slide-on” configuration or a “tower”configuration, and a first connecting structure may be charged by abattery charger having the same general configuration, such as the“slide-on” configuration or the “tower” configuration, respectively, anda second connecting structure different than the first connectingstructure.

[0030] Other independent features and independent advantages of thepresent invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art uponreview of the following detailed description, claims and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031]FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views of an electrical combinationincluding the adapter embodying the invention and illustrating theconnection of the adapter between an electrical component, such as apower tool, and a battery.

[0032]FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective views of another electricalcombination including the adapter and illustrating connection of theadapter between another electrical component, such as a battery charger,and the battery.

[0033]FIGS. 3A and 3B are schematic diagrams illustrating the connectionof a battery having a “slide-on” configuration to an electricalcomponent having a “tower” configuration.

[0034]FIGS. 4A and 4B are schematic diagrams similar to FIGS. 3A and 3B.

[0035]FIGS. 5A and 5B are views of an alternate construction of anadapter embodying the invention.

[0036]FIGS. 6A and 6B are schematic diagrams illustrating the connectionof a battery having a “tower” configuration to an electrical componenthaving a “slide-on” configuration.

[0037]FIGS. 7A and 7B are schematic diagrams similar to FIGS. 6A and 6B.

[0038]FIGS. 8A and 8B are views of another alternate construction of anadapter embodying the invention.

[0039]FIGS. 9A and 9B are schematic diagrams illustrating the connectionof a “slide-on” battery having a first connecting structure to a“slide-on” electrical component having a second connecting structure.

[0040]FIG. 10 is a side view of yet another alternate construction of anadapter embodying the invention.

[0041]FIGS. 11A and 11B are schematic diagrams illustrating theconnection of a “tower” battery having a first connecting structure to a“tower” electrical component having a second connecting structure.

[0042] Before at least one embodiment of the invention is explained indetail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in itsapplication to the details of the construction and the arrangements ofthe components set forth in the following description or illustrated inthe drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of beingpracticed or carried out in various ways. Also, it is understood thatthe phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] An electrical combination including an adapter 10 for a powertool battery 14 is illustrated in FIGS. 1-2. The electrical combinationalso includes an electrical component, such as a power tool 18(partially shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B) and/or a battery charger 22 (shownin FIGS. 2A and 2B). It should be understood that the electricalcomponent may be any type of electrical component, such as, for example,a radio, audio device or flashlight, which is usable with a power toolbattery.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the power tool 18 includes a toolhousing 26 and an electric motor 30 (schematically illustrated in FIGS.3B and 4B) supported by the tool housing 26 and operable to drive a toolelement (not shown). An electrical circuit 34 (schematically illustratedin FIGS. 3B and 4B) is electrically connected with the motor 30 toelectrically connect the motor 30 to a power source, such as the battery14. The tool housing 26 also includes a handle portion 38.

[0045] The power tool 18 includes a connection configuration 42 forconnecting the power tool 18 to a battery. In the illustratedconstruction, the connection configuration 42 of the power tool 18 is a“tower” configuration. A portion of the tool housing 26, such as thehandle portion 38, defines an opening 46 extending along an opening axis50. In this configuration, a motor terminal assembly 54 (schematicallyillustrated in FIGS. 3B and 4B) is supported in the opening 46 and iselectrically connected to the electrical circuit 34 and to the motor 30.Typically, the “tower” power tool 18 is used with a “tower” battery 14′,shown in FIGS. 1A and 2A and described below in more detail, without theuse of an adapter.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 1A, a second power tool 18′ includes a secondconnection configuration 42′ which is different than the connectionconfiguration 42 of the first power tool 18. The second connectionconfiguration 42′ is a “slide-on” connection configuration. In the“slide-on” connection configuration 42′, the handle portion 38′ includes(see FIG. 5A) a support portion 56′ on which a motor terminal assembly54′ is supported. The “slide-on” battery 14, shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B and2A and described below in more detail, may be used with the “slide-on”power tool 18′ without the use of an adapter.

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 2A, the battery charger 22 includes a chargerhousing 58 and a charging circuit 62 (schematically illustrated in FIGS.3A and 4A) supported by the charger housing 58 and electricallyconnectable to a power source (not shown) and to a battery to charge thebattery. In the illustrated construction, the battery charger 22includes a “tower” connection configuration 66, which is similar to theconnection configuration 42 of the “tower” power tool 18. In the “tower”connection configuration 66, the charger housing 58 defines an opening70 extending along an opening axis 74. A charger terminal assembly 78(schematically illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 4A) is supported in theopening 70 and is electrically connected to the charging circuit 62.Typically, the “tower” charger 22 is used to charge the “tower” battery14′ (shown in FIGS. 1A and 2A) without the use of an adapter.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 2B, a second battery charger 22′ includes aconnection configuration 66′ which is different than the connectionconfiguration 66 of the first battery charger 22. The second connectionconfiguration 66′ is a “slide-on” connection configuration, which issimilar to the connection configuration 42′ of the “slide-on” power tool18′. The “slide-on” connection configuration 66′ includes (see FIG. 8A)a support portion 80′ and charger terminal assembly 78′ supported on thesupport portion 80′. Typically, the “slide-on” battery 14 can be chargedby the “slide-on” charger 22′ without the use of an adapter.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 1B and 2B, the battery 14 includes a batteryhousing 82 supporting one or more rechargeable battery cells (notshown). The battery 14 has a connection configuration 86 which isdifferent than the connection configuration 42 of the power tool 18 anddifferent than the connection configuration 66 of the battery charger22. In the illustrated construction, the connection configuration 86 isa “slide-on” connection configuration. In the “slide-on” connectionconfiguration 86, the battery housing 82 includes a connecting portion90 having grooves 92 and projections 93, and a battery terminal assembly94 is supported on the connecting portion 90. The battery terminalassembly 94 is electrically connected to the rechargeable batterycell(s) and is connectable, with the adapter 10, to the motor 30 tosupply power to the motor 30 and to the charging circuit 62 such thatthe charging circuit 62 selectively supplies power to charge the battery14. As discussed above, the “slide-on” battery 14 may be used with the“slide-on” power tool 18′ and may be charged by the “slide-on” batterycharger 22′ without the use of an adapter.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 2A, the second battery 14′ includes a differentconnection configuration 86′ than the connection configuration 86 of thebattery 14. In this construction, the connection configuration 86′ is a“tower” connection configuration and includes “tower” or insertionportion 96′ on which a battery terminal assembly 94′ is supported. Asdiscussed above, the “tower” battery 14′ may be used with the “tower”power tool 18 and may be charged by the “tower” battery charger 22without the use of an adapter.

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the adapter 10 is connectable between the“slide-on” battery 14 and at least one of the “tower” power tool 18 andthe “tower” battery charger 22. The adapter 10 includes an adapterhousing 98 providing a first connecting portion 102, for connecting theadapter 10 to the battery 14, and a second connecting portion 106, forconnecting the adapter 10 to the power tool 18 and/or to the batterycharger 22.

[0052] In the illustrated construction, the first connecting portion 102provides a “slide-on” connection configuration similar to the“footprint” of the “slide-on” power tool 18′ and/or the “slide-on”charger 22′. The first connecting portion 102 includes a support portion108 defining a battery attachment axis 110. The support portion 108includes axially-extending grooves 112 and projections 113. The firstconnecting portion 102 also includes a first adapter terminal assembly114 which is electrically connectable to the battery terminal assembly94. In the illustrated construction, the “slide-on” battery 14 isslidably connectable to the support portion 108 in a first directionalong the axis 110.

[0053] In the illustrated construction, the battery 14 is selectivelyconnectable to the adapter 10 to have a first orientation (shown insolid lines in FIG. 1B) relative to the adapter 10 and in a seconddirection along the axis 110 to have a second orientation (reversed fromthe position shown in solid lines in FIG. 1B) relative to the adapter10. To accommodate the first and second orientations of the battery 14relative to the adapter 10, the first adapter terminal assembly 114includes a forward (for the purposes of description) first adapterterminal assembly 118, which is electrically connectable to the batteryterminal assembly 94 when the battery 14 is in the first orientation,and a rearward (for the purposes of description) first adapter terminalassembly 122, which is electrically connectable to the battery terminalassembly 94 when the battery 14 is in the second orientation.

[0054] As the battery 14 is connected to the first connecting portion102, the grooves 92 and projections 93 on the support portion 90 of thebattery 14 inter-engage with the grooves 112 and the projections 113 onthe support portion 108 of the adapter 10. As the battery 14 is slidonto the support portion 108, the first adapter terminal assembly 114 iselectrically connected to the battery terminal assembly 94.

[0055] In the illustrated construction, the second connecting portion106 provides a “tower” connection configuration similar to the“footprint” of the “tower” battery 14′. The second connecting portion106 includes a “tower” or insertion portion 126 to connect the adapter10 to the “tower” power tool 18 and/or to the “tower” battery charger22. The second connecting portion 106 also includes a second adapterterminal assembly 130, which is electrically connectable to theelectrical component terminal assembly, such as the motor terminalassembly 54 and/or the charger terminal assembly 78, to electricallyconnect the adapter 10 to the electrical component, such as the motor 30and/or the charging circuit 62.

[0056] As shown in FIGS. 3-4, the adapter 10 also includes an adapterelectrical circuit 134 (schematically illustrated) to electricallyconnect the first adapter terminal assembly 114 to the second adapterterminal assembly 130. As shown in FIGS. 3-4, the adapter electricalcircuit 134 includes electrical components and electrical structure toaccommodate the differences between the electrical configuration of thebattery 14 and battery terminal assembly 94 and the electricalconfiguration of the electrical component, such as the motor 30 and/orthe charging circuit 62, and electrical component terminal assembly,such as the motor terminal assembly 54 and/or the charger terminalassembly 78.

[0057] As shown in FIGS. 1B and 2B, the electrical combination alsoincludes a first locking assembly 138 for locking the battery 14 to theadapter 10. In the illustrated construction, the first locking assembly138 includes a first locking member or moveable projection 142 supportedon the battery 14 and a second locking member or recess 146 defined bythe support portion 108. The moveable projection 142 is engageable inthe recess 146 to lock the battery 14 to the adapter 10. The firstlocking assembly 138 also includes an actuator 144 for moving theprojection 142 into and out of engagement with the recess 146. A spring(not shown) biases the projection 142 and the actuator 144 to a positionin which the projection 142 engages the recess 146. It should beunderstood that, in other constructions (not shown), the locking members142 and 146 may be reversed and supported on the adapter 10 and thebattery 14, respectively.

[0058] The electrical combination also includes (see FIG. 1A) a secondlocking assembly 150 for locking the adapter 10 to the power tool 18and/or to the battery charger 22. The second locking assembly includes afirst locking member or moveable projection 154 supported on the adapter10 adjacent the support portion 108 and a second locking member forrecess 158 defined by the handle portion 38 of the power tool 18. Anactuator 156 moves the projection 154 into and out of engagement withthe recess 158. A spring (not shown) biases the projection 154 and theactuator 156 to a position in which the projection 154 engages therecess 158. It should also be understood that, in other constructions(not shown), the locking members 154 and 158 may be reversed andsupported on the handle portion 38 and the adapter 10, respectively.

[0059] While, in the illustrated construction, the adapter 10 is notlocked to the battery charger 22 when used with the battery charger 22,it should be understood that, in other constructions (not shown), asimilar locking arrangement may be provided to lock the adapter 10 tothe battery charger 22.

[0060] To use the “slide-on” battery 14 with the “tower” power tool 18,the adapter 10 is connected between the battery 14 and the power tool18. As shown in FIG. 1A, the insertion portion 126 of the adapter 10 isinserted into the opening 46 in the handle portion 38 so that theadapter 10 is connected to the handle portion 38 and so that the secondadapter terminal assembly 130 is electrically connected with the motorterminal assembly 54. The actuator 156 is released when the insertionportion 126 is fully inserted into the opening 46. The spring moves theprojection 154 into engagement with the recess 158 to lock the adapter10 to the power tool 18.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 1B, the battery 14 is then connected to theadapter 10. The battery 14 is slid along the axis 110 so that theconnecting portion 90 is connected to the support portion 108. Thegrooves 92 and 112 and the projections 93 and 113 are inter-engaged toconnect the battery 14 to the adapter 10. When the battery 14 has beenslid to its furthest extent on the support portion 108, the actuator 144is released so that the projection 142 engages the recess 146 to lockthe battery 14 to the adapter 10. As the battery 14 is slid onto thesupport portion 108, the first adapter terminal assembly 114 iselectrically connected to the battery terminal assembly 94.

[0062] As shown in solid lines in FIG. 1B, the battery 14 is in thefirst orientation relative to the adapter 10 and relative to the powertool 18. In this orientation, the forward first adapter terminalassembly 118 is electrically connected with the battery terminalassembly 94. Once the battery 14 is connected to the adapter 10 and theadapter 10 is connected to the power tool 18, the adapter electricalcircuit 134 connects the battery 14 to the motor 30. The power tool 18may then be operated under the power of the battery 14.

[0063] In the reverse position from the position shown in solid lines inFIG. 1B, the battery 14 may be connected to the adapter 10 in the secondorientation. In the second orientation, the rearward first adapterterminal assembly 122 is electrically connected to the battery terminalassembly 94.

[0064] To remove the battery 14, the actuator 144 is depressed so thatthe projection 142 is moved out of the recess 146. The battery 14 isthen slid along the axis 110 so that the connecting portion 90 isdisengaged from the support portion 108. To remove the adapter 10 fromthe power tool 18, the actuator 156 is depressed so that the projectionmoves out of engagement with the recess 158. The adapter 10 is thenmoved outwardly so that the tower portion 126 is removed from theopening 46.

[0065] To charge the “slide-on” battery 14 with the “tower” charger 22,the adapter 10 is used to connect the battery 14 to the charger 22. Thebattery 14 is connected to the adapter 10 as described above. Thebattery 14 and the adapter 10 are then connected to the charger 22. Thetower portion 126 is inserted into the opening 70 so that the secondadapter terminal assembly 130 is electrically connected with the chargerterminal assembly 78 to electrically connect the battery 14 to thecharging circuit 62. The “slide-on” battery 14 may then be charged bythe “tower” charger 22.

[0066] In the construction illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, the adapter 10enables a battery having one general configuration, such as the“slide-on” battery 14, to be used with a power tool having anothergeneral configuration, such as the “tower” power tool 18. The adapter 10also enables a battery having one general configuration, such as the“slide-on” battery 14, to be charged by a battery charger having anothergeneral configuration, such as the “tower” charger 22.

[0067] An alternate construction of an adapter 10′ is illustrated inFIGS. 5-7. Common elements are identified by the same reference number“′”.

[0068] In this alternate construction, the adapter 10′ enables a “tower”battery 14′ to be used with a “slide-on” power tool 18′ and/or to becharged by a “slide-on” charger 22′. The adapter 10′ an adapter housing98′ providing a first connecting portion 102′, for connecting theadapter 10′ to the battery 14′, and a second connecting portion 106′,for connecting the adapter 10′ to the power tool 18′ and/or to thecharger 22′.

[0069] In this illustrated construction, the first connecting portion102′ provides a “tower” connection configuration similar to the“footprint” of the “tower” power tool 18 and/or the “tower” charger 22.The adapter housing 98′ defines an opening 162 extending along anopening axis 166. The insertion portion 96′ of the “tower” battery 14′is received in the opening 162 to support the battery 14′ on the adapter10′. A first adapter terminal assembly 114′ is supported in the opening162 and is electrically connectable with the battery terminal assembly94′.

[0070] In this illustrated construction, the second connecting portion106′ provides a “slide-on” connection configuration similar to the“footprint” of the “slide-on” battery 14. The adapter housing 98′includes a support portion 170 defining an adapter attachment axis 174.The support portion 170 of the adapter 10′ has a construction which iscomplementary to the construction of the support portion 56′ of the“slide-on” power tool 18′ and/or to the support portion 80′ of the“slide-on” charger 22′. The second connecting portion 106′ also includesa second adapter terminal assembly 130′, which is electricallyconnectable to the electrical component terminal assembly, such as themotor terminal assembly 54′ and/or the charger terminal assembly 78′, toelectrically connect the adapter 10′ to the electrical component, suchas the motor 30′ and/or the charging circuit 62′.

[0071] As shown in FIGS. 6-7, the adapter 10′ also includes an adapterelectrical circuit 134′ (schematically illustrated) to electricallyconnect the first adapter terminal assembly 114′ to the second adapterterminal assembly 130′. As shown in FIGS. 6-7, the adapter electricalcircuit 134′ includes electrical components and electrical structure toaccommodate the differences between the electrical configuration of thebattery 14′ and battery terminal assembly 94′ and the electricalconfiguration of the electrical component, such as the motor 30′ and/orthe charging circuit 62′, and electrical component terminal assembly,such as the motor terminal assembly 54′ and/or the charger terminalassembly 78′.

[0072] In this alternate construction, the electrical combination alsoincludes a first locking arrangement (not shown) for locking the adapter10′ to the battery 14′ and a second locking arrangement (not shown) forlocking the adapter 10′ to the power tool 18′ and/or to the charger 22′.

[0073] Another alternate construction of an adapter 200 is illustratedin FIGS. 8-9. In this alternate construction, the adapter 200 enables a“slide-on” battery 204 having a different connecting structure to beused with the “slide-on” power tool 18′ and/or to be charged by the“slide-on” charger 22′.

[0074] The battery 204 has a “slide-on” connection configuration 208(shown in FIG. 8A) having a different connecting structure than theconnection configuration 86 (shown in FIGS. 1B and 2B) of the first“slide-on” battery 14. As shown in FIG. 8A, the connection configuration208 includes a connecting portion 212 having a generally T-shapedcross-section. The connecting portion 212 includes a battery projection213 defining a battery groove 214. A battery terminal 216 is supportedon the connecting portion 212.

[0075] The support portion 56′ of the “slide-on” power tool 18′ also hasa T-shaped cross-section (similar to that of the first connectingportion 102 of the adapter 10). The support portion 56′ includes acomponent projection 217 defining a component groove 218. Similarly, thesupport portion 80′ of the “slide-on” charger 22′ has a T-shapedcross-section and includes the projection 217 and the groove 218.

[0076] The adapter 200 includes a first connecting portion 220 having agenerally C-shaped cross-section and connecting structure complementaryto the connecting portion 212 of the battery 204. The first connectingportion 220 includes a first adapter projection 221 defining a firstadapter groove 222. A first adapter terminal assembly 224 is supportedon the first connecting portion 220 and is electrically connectable withthe battery terminal 216.

[0077] The adapter 200 also includes a second connecting portion 228having a generally C-shaped cross-section and connecting structurecomplementary to the support portion 56′ of the power tool 18′ and/or tothe support portion 80′ of the charger 22′. The second connectingportion 228 includes a second adapter projection 229 defining a secondadapter groove 230. A second adapter terminal assembly 232 is supportedon the second connecting portion 228 and is electrically connectablewith the electrical component terminal assembly, such as the motorterminal assembly 54′ and/or the charger terminal assembly 78′, toelectrically connect the adapter 200 to the electrical component, suchas the motor 30′ and/or the charging circuit 62′.

[0078] As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the adapter 200 also includes anadapter electrical circuit 236 (schematically illustrated) toelectrically connect the first adapter terminal assembly 224 to thesecond adapter terminal assembly 232. As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, theadapter electrical circuit 236 includes electrical components andelectrical structure to accommodate the differences between theelectrical configuration of the battery 204 and battery terminalassembly 216 and the electrical configuration of the electricalcomponent, such as the motor 30′ and/or the charging circuit 62′, andelectrical component terminal assembly, such as the motor terminalassembly 54′ and/or the charger terminal assembly 78′.

[0079] The adapter 200 enables a battery having a first generalconfiguration, such as the second “slide-on” battery 204, to be usedwith a power tool having the same general configuration, such as the“slide-on” power tool 18′, and a different connecting structure (i.e., aphysical connecting arrangement different than the physical connectingarrangement of the battery 204 and/or an electrical connectingarrangement different than the electrical connecting arrangement of thebattery 204). The adapter 200 also enables the second “slide-on” battery204 to charged by a battery charger having the same generalconfiguration, such as the “slide-on” charger 22, and a differentconnecting structure.

[0080] Yet another alternate construction of an adapter 200′ isillustrated in FIGS. 10-11. Common elements are identified by the samereference number “′”.

[0081] In this alternate construction, the adapter 200′ enables a“tower” battery 204′ having a different connecting structure to be usedwith the “tower” power tool 18 and/or to be charged by the “tower”charger 22. The battery 204′ has a “tower” connection configuration 240(shown in FIG. 10) having a different connecting structure than theconnection configuration 86′ (shown in FIGS. 1A and 2A) of the first“tower” battery 14′. As shown in FIG. 10, the connection configuration240 includes a “tower” or insertion portion 244 on which a batteryterminal 216′ is supported.

[0082] As discussed above, the “tower” connection configuration 42 ofthe power tool 18 includes the opening 46 defined by the handle 38. The“tower” connection configuration 240 of the second “tower” battery 204′is not complementary to this connection configuration 42. For example,the insertion portion 244 may have different dimensions (diameter d,height h, cross-section, etc.) than the dimensions of the opening 46.Similarly, the “tower” connection configuration 240 of the second“tower” battery 204′ is not complementary to the connectionconfiguration 66 of the “tower” charger 22.

[0083] The adapter 200′ accommodates the differences between theconnection configuration 240 of the “tower” battery 204′ and theconnection configuration 42 of the “tower” power tool 18 and/or theconnection configuration 66 of the “tower” charger 22. In someconstructions, the adapter 200′ is preferably formed as a sleeve memberto fit between the outer surface of the insertion portion 244 of thebattery 204′ and the inner surface of the opening 46 of the “tower”power tool 18 and/or of the opening 70 of the “tower” charger 22.

[0084] As shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the adapter 200′ also includes anadapter electrical circuit 236′ (schematically illustrated) toelectrically connect a first adapter terminal assembly 224′ to thesecond adapter terminal assembly 232′. As shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B,the adapter electrical circuit 236′ includes electrical components andelectrical structure to accommodate the differences between theelectrical configuration of the battery 204′ and battery terminalassembly 216′ and the electrical configuration of the electricalcomponent, such as the motor 30 and/or the charging circuit 62, andelectrical component terminal assembly, such as the motor terminalassembly 54 and/or the charger terminal assembly 78.

[0085] One or more of the above-described and other independent featuresand independent advantages of the invention are set forth in thefollowing claims:

We claim:
 1. An electrical combination comprising: a power toolincluding a tool housing and an electric motor supported by the toolhousing and selectively electrically connectable with a power source,the tool housing including a tool support portion; a batteryelectrically connectable with the electric motor such that the batteryselectively supplies power to the electric motor, the battery includingan insertion portion; and an adapter separate from and connectablebetween the tool housing and the battery to support the battery on thetool housing and to electrically connect the battery with the motor, theadapter including an adapter housing defining an opening, the insertionportion being insertable into the opening along an opening axis tosupport the battery on the adapter, the adapter housing furtherincluding an adapter support portion connectable to the tool supportportion along an adapter attachment axis, the opening axis beinggenerally parallel with the adapter attachment axis.
 2. The combinationas set forth in claim 1, wherein the adapter support portion includes anadapter projection and an adapter groove, and wherein the tool supportportion includes a tool projection and a tool groove, the adapterprojection being engageable with the tool groove and the tool projectionbeing engageable with the adapter groove to connect the adapter to thepower tool.
 3. The combination as set forth in claim 1 and furthercomprising a locking assembly for locking the battery to the adapter,the locking assembly including a locking member movable between a lockedposition, in which the battery is locked to the adapter, and an unlockedposition, and an actuating member operable to move the locking memberbetween the locked position and the unlocked position.
 4. Thecombination as set forth in claim 1 and further comprising a lockingassembly for locking the adapter to the tool housing, the lockingassembly including a locking member movable between a locked position,in which the adapter is locked to the tool housing, and an unlockedposition, and an actuating member operable to move the locking memberbetween the locked position and the unlocked position.
 5. Thecombination as set forth in claim 1, wherein the battery includes abattery terminal assembly, wherein the power tool further includes atool terminal assembly electrically connected to the motor, and whereinthe adapter includes an adapter electrical assembly including a firstadapter terminal assembly electrically connectable to the batteryterminal assembly, and a second adapter terminal assembly electricallyconnectable to the tool terminal assembly to electrically connect thebattery to the motor to selectively transfer power between the batteryand the motor.
 6. The combination as set forth in claim 5, wherein thebattery terminal assembly is supported on the insertion portion of thebattery, and wherein the first adapter terminal assembly is supported inthe opening defined by the adapter housing.
 7. An electrical combinationcomprising: a power tool including a tool housing and an electric motorsupported by the tool housing and selectively electrically connectablewith a power source, the tool housing including a tool support portionincluding a tool projection and a tool groove; a battery electricallyconnectable with the electric motor such that the battery selectivelysupplies power to the electric motor, the battery including an insertionportion; and an adapter separate from and connectable between the toolhousing and the battery to support the battery on the tool housing andto electrically connect the battery with the motor, the adapterincluding an adapter housing defining an opening, the insertion portionbeing insertable into the opening, the adapter housing further includingan adapter support portion connectable to the tool support portion, theadapter support portion including an adapter projection and an adaptergroove, the adapter projection being engageable with the tool groove andthe tool projection being engageable with the adapter groove to connectthe adapter to the power tool.
 8. The combination as set forth in claim7, wherein the insertion portion is insertable into the opening along anopening axis to support the battery on the adapter, and wherein theadapter support portion connects to the tool support portion along anadapter attachment axis, the opening axis being generally parallel withthe adapter attachment axis.
 9. The combination as set forth in claim 7and further comprising a locking assembly for locking the battery to theadapter, the locking assembly including a locking member movable betweena locked position, in which the battery is locked to the adapter, and anunlocked position, and an actuating member operable to move the lockingmember between the locked position and the unlocked position.
 10. Thecombination as set forth in claim 7 and further comprising a lockingassembly for locking the adapter to the tool housing, the lockingassembly including a locking member movable between a locked position,in which the adapter is locked to the tool housing, and an unlockedposition, and an actuating member operable to move the locking memberbetween the locked position and the unlocked position.
 11. Thecombination as set forth in claim 7, wherein the battery includes abattery terminal assembly, wherein the power tool further includes atool terminal assembly electrically connected to the motor, and whereinthe adapter includes an adapter electrical assembly including a firstadapter terminal assembly electrically connectable to the batteryterminal assembly, and a second adapter terminal assembly electricallyconnectable to the tool terminal assembly to electrically connect thebattery to the motor to selectively transfer power between the batteryand the motor.
 12. The combination as set forth in claim 11, wherein thebattery terminal assembly is supported on the insertion portion of thebattery, and wherein the first adapter terminal assembly is supported inthe opening defined by the adapter housing.
 13. A method of assemblingan electrical combination, the method comprising the acts of: providinga slide-on power tool configured to receive a slide-on battery;providing a tower-style battery including an insertion portion;providing an adapter separate from and connectable between the slide-onpower tool and the tower-style battery to support the tower-stylebattery on the slide-on power tool and to electrically connect thetower-style battery with the slide-on power tool, the adapter definingan opening along an opening axis, the adapter further including aslide-on portion; engaging the insertion portion of the tower-stylebattery in the opening in the adapter to support the tower-style batteryon the adapter; and engaging the slide-on portion of the adapter withthe slide-on power tool to support the adapter on the slide-on powertool.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the slide-on power toolincludes a tool housing including a tool support portion, the toolsupport portion including a tool projection and a tool groove, whereinthe slide-on portion of the adapter includes an adapter projection andan adapter groove, and wherein the act of engaging the slide-on portionwith the slide-on power tool includes the act of engaging the toolprojection with the adapter groove and the adapter projection with thetool groove.